Popular venue accused of ‘cancelling Christmas’ after shoppers complained about the lack of festive decorations

A popular nightlife venue in Sydney’s west is being criticized for using the “diversity” of its customers as an explanation for its lack of Christmas decorations.

West HQ, the entertainment precinct in Rooty Hill, came under scrutiny this month by Blacktown councilor Allan Green when he noticed the venue was almost devoid of Christmas decorations.

Blacktown Council held a Christmas party at the site and were forced to bring their own decorations.

Mr Green challenged West’s head office over the apparent lack of cheerfulness and received a statement from the customer service manager.

“As a premium destination in Greater Sydney, we will continue to celebrate the holidays, as in previous years, while respecting the diversity of cultures that visit the West HQ precinct,” the statement said.

Mr Green was stunned by the answer: including the refusal to even mention the word “Christmas.”

“It’s surprising and very disappointing from a cultural point of view, but it’s also not a very smart marketing move,” he told Daily Mail Australia.

‘People from all different backgrounds celebrate Christmas. It is a worldwide tradition and is even celebrated in the Middle East.

Mr Green (right) says Christmas is an important part of preserving Australian culture

“It seems like management (West HQ) is still in the pre-enlightened Grinch phase.”

Mr Green said the statement was nonsensical because the largest ethnic group in Rooty Hill are Filipinos, for whom Christmas is a big celebration.

“They have the longest Christmas in the world, which starts in September in the Philippines,” he said.

‘It is also worth noting that Blacktown City’s population is still largely from a Christian-based ethnic background, so cultural diversity is not a good reason to downplay Christmas.

“We want to preserve our Australian culture and this is a very important part of that.

‘Some people say Christmas is commercial, but there is a spiritual side that is important.’

Mr Allan received dozens of supportive comments on his social media post.

“Disgraceful,” said one user. ‘Respect for other cultures goes both ways and should not result in the elimination of any sign of Christmas awakening.’

Once dubbed the ‘Vegas of the West’, West HQ is a cornerstone of Sydney’s cultural and entertainment scene

“West HQ needs to be called out over the cancellation of Christmas,” said another.

“The manager is probably out of touch with the general community,” said a third.

However, when Mr. Green’s post was shared on Reddit, the reception was much more negative.

“Absolutely no reason for local representatives to fight any social issue, regardless of which side they are on,” said one.

A spokesperson for the West HQ said the venue ‘loves to celebrate Christmas along with most other key events throughout the year that bring together family and friends from all walks of life’.

“While decorations are one way to celebrate, we are investing in other initiatives for this joyful day, including our special Christmas menus, Christmas raffles, live music and family entertainment,” the spokesperson said.

‘And by listening to our members’ feedback this year, we will invest in more decorations for Christmas 2025.’